A vet tech career is for anyone who has a strong love of animals. The veterinary sciences are a highly specialized field, providing compassionate care to the well being of all animals. To be able to work as a technician, assisting the veterinarian, one must be prepared to devote many hours to the study of animal medicine.
Animal medicine covers all the creatures great and small. From a mouse to an elephant, and all the animals in between. As a veterinarian technician, one would be working and assisting very closely to the presiding veterinarian. The job is basically that of an animal nurse, as the veterinarian is the animal doctor.
It is highly recommended that one would start their journey to work in this profession, working with animals of all types, by volunteering at one of the local animal shelters or even a vet’s office. The experiences gained in volunteer work, prepares one for the duties that would be required of them as a vet technician. The hands on experience is highly regarded, as part of your resume.
As an animal nurse, assisting the veterinarian, one would be required to perform an array of duties. The job expects one to be a multi-tasker, quick thinker and resourceful. While one must need to have an empathetic heart in dealing with the care of animals, one must also be able to face difficult medical decisions and crisis’s, and be a solid pillar of strength for the animals owners.
Schools And Certification
To obtain an entry level position as a vet tech, it is necessary to earn a 2 year Associates Arts degree. Most veterinarian’s prefer and advise, to further study into the field of animal medicine, and graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. This assures the prospective veterinarian’s that the candidate is committed to the care and well being of all animals, with the credentials to back them up. Upon completion of the said earned degree, the state administered certification exam, also known as the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), must be passed. This certification process is overseen by the American Association of Veterinarian State Boards (AAVSB).
A Day In The Life
The devoted veterinarian technician must truly love animals. They are committed to actively promoting the best care and treatment of animals. The description of job duties is vast and changes often. It is not unusual to provide routine cleaning and organization of the office, as well as, pre and post operative care for animals entering surgeries or recovering. The job can be very quick paced on some days and rather somber on others, depending on the circumstances. To be objective through all circumstances, allows one to cope with whatever arises.
As the veterinarian’s right hand man, expectations that their vet tech must follow at all times, is the devotion to the animals care. While this is not always easy, especially when dealing with strays and injured animals. Some of your daily duties can be analyzing lab tests after taking the necessary samples, vaccinations,teeth cleaning in older animals,restraint of volatile animals and surgical procedural assistance. At times, not all animals can be saved, even with the best of treatments, and the need for euthanasia is necessary. It is not a pleasant time for the owners of the animals, but a highly compassionate staff, can ease their loss of their loved one.
Education For Jobs
So, the question at hand, after learning the descriptions of what this job entails on a daily basis, is how do you go about enlisting the proper education for this career in the wonderful world of animals. There can be a few options to consider when contemplating the types of schools. There are online schools, which prepare you for the state exams, necessary for certification, as well as, 2 and 4 yr degree programs.
The online schooling option, is usually not advised, unless you can perform clinical practices, in a vet’s office, to fulfill the coursework required in learning online. Most all the programs involve heavy loads of clinical work, which makes this avenue, not always convenient, for the best education within the field.
Training Programs And Requirements
The programs for veterinarian technician’s are all similar in many ways, by the fact that, for a two year or a four year degree they cover subjects, such as, animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical procedures to name a few. One might also consider the lengthier educational path of specialization in anesthesiology, dentistry, emergency care and procedures, internal medicine or veterinary behaviors, to broaden their degree.
These subjects would be available in a more comprehensive four year degree program. Upon completion of your educational requirements, passing the state certification exams, known as the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), is always necessary before practicing any animal care medicine.
As you can see, there are no shortcuts to this career. With the the love for all animals, proper education, training and preparation being the key aspects. Although education is a must for the one desiring this career path, you must also encompass positive work ethics, good interpersonal skills and be on board for teamwork.